007 First Light release date: Here’s everything you need to know about Bond’s next mission

The gun barrel’s rolling again. For fans of stealth, gadgets, and smooth spy chaos, the 007 First Light release date is near and it’s shaping up to be one of the biggest cinematic action games of next year. The original Hitman devs, IO Interactive, are behind the wheel this time so expect more than just scripted explosions and one-liners. This is a full-fledged origin story that redefines Bond from the ground up.

When is the 007 First Light release date?

007 First Light officially launches on March 27, 2026, across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store. IO Interactive confirmed the date during Sony’s September State of Play.

It won’t be the only major drop that month either. Slay the Spire 2 enters Early Access on a “secret Thursday,” while Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection and Crimson Desert are also set to launch in March 2026.

What to expect from 007 First Light

Image Source: Steam

IO Interactive is known for its stealth sandbox gameplay, and 007 First Light takes that DNA straight into the world of espionage. Instead of following a linear shooter formula, it lets players tackle objectives their own way, through stealth takedowns, gadget trickery, or bold, guns-blazing improvisation.

This Bond is inexperienced and unrefined, fresh off his military days and just entering the MI6 Double-0 program. The story focuses on his transformation into the suave secret agent we all know, featuring a mix of familiar faces like M, Q, and Moneypenny, each portrayed as younger versions still finding their footing within MI6.

Expect massive, open-ended missions across locations like the Scottish Highlands, urban London, and a luxury resort in the Mediterranean. Each mission encourages experimentation and replayability, a hallmark of IO’s Hitman design philosophy.

Gameplay and features

Image Source: Steam

007 First Light runs on IO’s Glacier engine, the same tech behind Hitman World of Assassination, but completely rebuilt for next-gen. That means detailed lighting, destructible environments, and cinematic realism that brings every stealth encounter to life.

Gameplay-wise, Bond’s gadgets are key. You’ll be using EMP watches, grapple tools, miniature drones, and disguises to manipulate the environment and complete missions your way. It’s less about brute force and more about improvisation and precision; just how Bond would do it.

Price, Editions, and pre-order info

Pre-orders for 007 First Light are now live across Steam, PlayStation Store, and Xbox Store, with multiple editions to choose from depending on how deep into the gaming spy life you want to go.

• Standard Edition ($69.99): Includes the base game, a free Deluxe upgrade for early buyers, 24-hour early access, four exclusive outfits, the Agent’s Mark weapon skin, and the Gleaming Pack featuring gold gadget skins.
• Legacy Edition ($299.99): Comes with all digital bonuses, a premium collector’s box, Golden Gun figurine, steelbook case, hardcover artbook, and a numbered certificate of authenticity.

Stocks for collector’s editions are limited, so fans eyeing Bond’s return should lock in their copies early.

Should you be hyped?

With the 007 First Light release date now locked in and pre-orders live, the countdown to Bond’s next mission has officially begun. IO Interactive has already proven its mastery of stealth and style with the Hitman trilogy, and everything shown so far suggests they’re channelling that same energy into Bond’s world.

Featured Image Source: Steam